When You Remember Me Too

Episode 1 — A Woman Who Smiles Alone The morning sky above the city was pale gray when Aira Sen opened her eyes to the sound of her alarm. 5:30 AM. For a few seconds, she stared silently at the ceiling of her small room, feeling the familiar heaviness in her chest. Outside the window, the world was slowly waking up. Vehicles moved along the distant roads, people prepared for another busy day, and somewhere nearby a tea seller shouted for customers. Another ordinary morning. Aira slowly sat up and tied her dark hair into a loose ponytail before walking toward the kitchen. Her mother was already there preparing breakfast. “You woke up early again,” her mother said softly. Aira forced a small smile. “I have extra work today.” “You always have extra work.” Her mother sighed, but Aira simply smiled again instead of answering. That smile had become her habit over the years. A quiet shield. Something she used whenever she was too tired to explain her feelings. After helping with breakfast and getting ready, she left for work wearing her usual formal clothes and carrying a black office bag that felt heavier every day. The city was crowded as always. People rushed past each other without looking. Cars honked impatiently. Street vendors shouted loudly. Everyone looked busy chasing something invisible. Aira stood inside the crowded bus near the window, watching the moving streets with tired eyes. Sometimes she wondered if this was what adulthood truly meant. Wake up. Work. Smile. Return home exhausted. Repeat. Her phone suddenly vibrated. “Don’t forget today’s meeting,” her coworker texted. Aira typed a quick reply before slipping the phone back into her bag. By the time she reached the company building, the sun had fully risen. The tall glass building reflected the morning light beautifully, but Aira barely noticed it anymore. She entered through the main gate alongside hundreds of employees and quietly walked toward her department. “Good morning, Aira!” “Morning.” “You finished the report?” “Yes.” “You really never rest, huh?” She laughed politely, though the words somehow stayed in her mind. Never rest. Maybe that was true. Hours passed under the cold office lights. The sound of keyboards, printers, and endless conversations filled the room while Aira focused silently on her computer screen. Around lunchtime, her manager suddenly entered the department with an excited expression. “Everyone, listen carefully,” he announced. “Next week, selected employees will attend a special company trip near the southern sea region.” Excited whispers immediately spread across the office. “A trip?” “Seriously?” “Finally!” Aira looked up quietly. The manager continued, “This is both a business and relaxation trip. A chance to reduce stress.” Stress. The word almost made her laugh. As names were called one by one, Aira lowered her eyes back toward her desk, not expecting anything. Then— “Aira Sen.” She blinked in surprise. “You’re selected too.” For the first time that day, genuine emotion crossed her face. Not happiness. Not excitement. Just confusion. She didn’t know it yet, but that single decision would change her entire life forever. A journey meant to reduce stress would soon become the beginning of a nightmare… and a love story that time itself would destroy.

Disclaimer: This show may contain expletives, strong language, and mature content for adult listeners, including sexually explicit content and themes of violence. This is a work of fiction and any resemblance to real persons, businesses, places or events is coincidental. This show is not intended to offend or defame any individual, entity, caste, community, race, religion or to denigrate any institution or person, living or dead. Listener's discretion is advised.Less